Overall aims and purpose

To provide insight into how A.I. technologies can be applied to designing intelligent systems, simulations and video games.

Course content

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and how related technologies can be used to construct intelligent systems.

Introduction to the core topics Artificial Life and behavior based AI.

Introduction to intelligent systems and the appropriate enabling technologies.

Case studies will be used to illustrate how methods and technologies developed for artificial intelligence can be applied to real-world problems in areas such as computer games.

Critical analysis of various AI approaches in the development of computer games.

Learning outcomes mapped to assessment criteria

threshold

40%

good

60%

excellent

70%

Demonstrate how artificial intelligent technologies can be applied to construct intelligent systems.

Has a basic knowledge of most of the course material and can analyze and design AI components.
Can build a basic computer game with artificial life techniques.
Shows understanding of the roles that AI plays in computer games.

Has an excellent understanding of the course material and an ability to analyze, critique and design to a high standard.
Can build a non-trivial computer game employing a variety of AI technologies.
Is able to mix algorithms and methodologies to produce a desired AI behavior.

Understands most of the course material and can analyse and design most unfamiliar systems.
Can build a non-trivial computer game.

Demonstrate an understanding of the various roles AI may play in intelligent systems and video games.

Understands and can describe in moderate detail the various roles AI can play.
Demonstrates understanding of future roles of AI.

Has a deep understanding of the various roles of AI.
Knows when and how to apply appropriate AI techniques for various roles.
Demonstrates understanding of future roles of AI.

Has a basic knowledge of roles AI can play in intelligent systems, simulations and video games.

Demonstrate an understanding of a selection of techniques for implementing intelligent systems and video game AI.

Has an excellent understanding of the course material and an ability to analyse and design to a high standard.
Can build a non-trivial computer game employing appropriate AI technologies such as steering behaviours, searching and finite state machines.
Can write an in-depth blog that clearly outlines development and demonstrates great understanding of application of AI in games.

Has a basic knowledge of most of the course material and can analyse and design familiar systems.
Can build basic computer game AI.
Can author a basic blog outlining game development and demonstrate basic understanding of techniques used.

Understands most of the course material and can analyse and design most unfamiliar systems.
Can build non-trivial computer game AI.
Can author a moderately complex blog for the game describing various AI techniques.

Design and implement a non-trivial application which makes significant use of artificial intelligence techniques.

Demonstrates use of engines like Unity and NetLogo to produce moderately complex AI algorithms like procedural generators, simple search AI and finite state machines.

Able to produce basic AI algorithms using engines such as Unity and NetLogo, including simple behaviours like seek and flee.
Able to use engine tools to create a basic game.

Able to implement AI algorithms in engines like Unity and Netlogo such as steering behaviours and basic sensing algorithms.

Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of behavior based AI.

Can explain the idea behind concepts like Breitenberg Vehicles, Finite State Machines and Steering Behaviours

Can explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of different behaviour-based AI approaches and know when to apply them.
Has an understanding of the current state of the art in behaviour-based AI.

Can display a basic understanding of AI concepts like steering behaviours and reactionary AI algorithms.

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Transferable skills

Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media

Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software

Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance

Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives

Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information

Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.

Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.